Media

I was made aware of the work of Dr Janja Lalich through the “Soul Bruises” podcast produced by a friend of mine, Christie Hodson. Dr Lalich has been studying cults for over 40 years. While the use of the term “cult” to refer to the 2×2 church is controversial, it feels like a conversation that needs to take place. I recently had to opportunity to discuss with Dr Lalich. We started talking about the struggle a number of us have to reconcile the harm done within the 2×2 church, to ourselves and others, and the positive aspects of it. We then transition into other areas. The last two years, I have become increasingly aware of the great harm done to many (if not all) of us connected to the church. This conversation is a direct look at some of that harm and may be quite hurtful to some who still find meaning and value in the church. – Mark Simmons

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Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion with Dr. Janja Lalich- Media

Janja Lalich is an author and educator who specializes in researching cults and coercion, and has written several books, including “Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships.” Keely Griffin is a former member of a spiritual relationship mentoring group called Twin Flames Universe. It’s an organization that many have called a cult, and its founders and some current members now live in northern Michigan. Janja and Keely spoke with journalist and publisher of the Glen Arbor Sun newspaper, Jacob Wheeler, at the City Opera House in Traverse City.

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A cult survivor on brainwashing and regrets.
World-renowned expert in cultic studies Dr Janja Lalich has written several books on the topic, but her deepest understanding of cults no doubt stems from her own disturbing experience after she joined the so-called Democratic Workers Party in the 1970s. Ahead of her appearance at the Decult Conference in Christchurch next month, Lalich tells Ryan Boswell how, brainwashed by the group’s doctrine, she rose through the ranks and “did horrible things as a leader”.

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